Police believe that she was killed elsewhere and that her body was dumped behind the plaza late Wednesday night. A police officer on routine patrol saw what proved to be the body as he drove his cruiser along the back access driveway.

Police said the woman's body was wrapped in a sleeping bag. She had no identification.

``We're the last ones out of here and we didn't see or hear anything,'' said John Santoro, manager of the Subway sandwich shop in the Brittany West plaza at 589 Hartford Road.

The victim was described as a light-skinned woman, possibly of Asian background or Hispanic, in her late teens or early 20s, 5-feet-3, 116 pounds, with brown eyes and dark brown or black hair.

She was wearing a multicolored jersey -- mostly shades of brown and tan -- and white painter's jeans. She also was wearing green and tan L.A. Gear shoes.

Anyone with any information about the victim or the killing can call the police at 826-3000. All calls will be kept confidential.